Unboxing Experience
Peeling back the eco-friendly, minimalist packaging of the Micromax In 1b reveals a no-frills approach. Inside the sturdy blue-and-white box, the phone rests snugly beneath a cardboard layer. Underneath, compartments house a 10W charger, a micro-USB cable (disappointing for 2020 standards), a SIM ejector tool, and basic documentation. Missing are earphones and a protective case—common omissions at this price. The unboxing feels functional rather than luxurious, emphasizing affordability. For under ₹7,000, expectations align: essentials are covered, but extras require separate purchases. The focus remains squarely on the device itself, signaling Micromax’s “value-first” ethos.
Design and Build Quality
The Micromax In 1b sports a polycarbonate body with a glossy, gradient rear (Blue, Purple, Green options) that attracts fingerprints but feels surprisingly robust. Weighing 188g and measuring 8.9mm thick, its heft comes from the massive 5,000mAh battery. The textured power button and volume rocker on the right offer tactile feedback, while the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and accurately placed. A 3.5mm jack sits atop, and the micro-USB port anchors the bottom edge. Though entirely plastic, the device avoids creaking, with rounded corners ensuring a secure grip. For an entry-level phone, it exudes a deceptive premium vibe, challenging perceptions of budget builds.
Display Specifications
A 6.52-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD dominates the front, featuring a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. The 20:9 aspect ratio suits media consumption, though pixel density (269 PPI) reveals slight graininess under scrutiny. Brightness peaks at 400 nits—adequate indoors but challenging under direct sunlight. Color calibration leans warm, with decent saturation for YouTube or casual gaming. Touch responsiveness is smooth, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 adds scratch resistance. While rivals like the Realme C11 offer similar specs, the In 1b’s display holds its own for web browsing and videos, balancing cost and clarity effectively.
Performance and Hardware
Powering the device is MediaTek’s Helio G35 chipset (12nm fabrication), paired with 2GB/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB storage (expandable to 256GB via microSD). In daily use, the octa-core CPU handles WhatsApp, Facebook Lite, and light multitasking smoothly but stutters with heavy apps like PUBG Mobile (playable only on Low settings). AnTuTu benchmarks hover around 110,000—entry-level territory. The dedicated microSD slot and triple-card tray (dual 4G VoLTE SIMs + memory) are thoughtful inclusions. Thermal management is efficient; extended use causes mild warmth, not throttling. For ₹6,999, this hardware delivers reliable basics, though 4GB RAM is recommended for future-proofing.
Software Experience
The Micromax In 1b runs near-stock Android 10, free of bloatware—a standout in this segment. Pre-installed apps are limited to Google essentials (Photos, Drive) and FM Radio. Micromax’s customizations are subtle: a system-wide dark mode, gesture navigation, and digital wellbeing tools. Security patches arrived quarterly initially, but long-term updates are uncertain. The UI feels snappy, leveraging Android Go optimizations for the 2GB variant. Absent are intrusive ads or trial subscriptions plaguing competitors like Xiaomi’s MIUI. This clean software approach reduces RAM load, making the experience feel fresher than hardware suggests.
Camera Capabilities
A dual-camera setup anchors the rear: 13MP primary (f/2.2 aperture) + 2MP depth sensor. Daylight shots capture realistic colors and sharp edges, though dynamic range falters in high-contrast scenes. The dedicated Night mode brightens shadows but introduces noise. Portrait mode blurs backgrounds convincingly but struggles with complex edges. Video maxes at 1080p/30fps with average stabilization. The 8MP front camera (f/2.0) handles selfies adequately, with beautification defaults that can be toned down. AI scene detection adjusts settings for food or greenery but often oversaturates. For social media, results suffice, but low-light performance lags behind pricier alternatives like the Redmi 9 Prime.
Battery Life
The 5,000mAh battery is the In 1b’s crown jewel. In testing, it delivered 12–14 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage (Wi-Fi browsing, YouTube, calls). Even heavy users clear a full day effortlessly; lighter usage stretches to two days. Charging, however, is sluggish—the 10W adapter takes 3+ hours for 0–100%. No support for fast charging or USB-C limits modernity. Standby drain is minimal (3–4% overnight), aided by Android’s battery optimization. For users prioritizing endurance over speed, this device excels, outlasting rivals like the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core.
Connectivity and Extras
Dual 4G VoLTE support ensures reliable calls and 150Mbps download speeds in supported areas. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n covers basic needs, though lack of 5GHz band affects file transfers. Bluetooth 5.0 pairs stably with TWS earbuds, and GPS locks locations swiftly. The micro-USB port feels outdated, but the 3.5mm jack pleases audio traditionalists. A rear fingerprint sensor unlocks in 0.8 seconds, while face recognition works well in adequate light. Sensors include an accelerometer and proximity detector, but NFC and gyroscope are absent—expected trade-offs. The mono speaker is loud but tinny at max volume.
Value Proposition
At ₹6,999 (2GB/32GB) or ₹7,999 (4GB/64GB), the Micromax In 1b undercuts competitors like the Realme C11 (₹7,499) and Redmi 9A (₹6,799) by offering superior RAM/storage flexibility, cleaner software, and a best-in-class battery. Its shortcomings—micro-USB, average cameras, and entry-level gaming—are rational compromises. For students, first-time smartphone users, or backup devices, it represents exceptional value. Micromax’s “Make in India” initiative further bolsters its appeal, combining patriotism with practicality in a crowded budget market.